Outdoor living is a hot topic this year as outdoor entertaining is the safest way to spend time with friends and family. Transform your patio, deck, or outdoor pergola with appliances to create delicious meals everyone will love.
There are many outdoor kitchen ideas for every space and budget. You want to make sure your outdoor living space is an area that reflects your personality. Modern outdoor kitchens, stainless steel cabinetry, and outdoor kitchen islands are trending now. Bring something new to the table with an outdoor wood fired pizza oven. There are even great barbecue grills for small outdoor kitchen spaces.
How to build an outdoor kitchen?
Approach your outdoor kitchen in the same way you would design an indoor kitchen. Outdoor rated kitchen cabinets hold the appliances and give the kitchen its unique design. Then think of cooking, refrigeration, storage, and clean-up areas.
Outdoor kitchen cabinets and counters serve as necessary storage and provide essential prep space. Next, consider your cooking appliances. The outdoor grill is the centerpiece of most outdoor kitchens; however, you can get creative with side burners, pizza ovens, flat top griddles and much more.
Expert’s Tip: If your outdoor kitchen is far from your indoor kitchen, consider these other essentials. Adding food preservation and cleanup stations will surely limit trips to the indoor kitchen making summer entertaining a breeze.
Outdoor kitchen refrigerators keep beverages and perishable foods at a safe temperature. In addition to a refrigerator, consider an outdoor freezer for spirits, ice cream, and popsicles. Backyard wine coolers, beverage centers, and kegerators are also excellent additions for alfresco entertaining.
It’s also important to consider an outdoor clean up station. Outdoor sinks and faucets are essential for meal prep, cleanup, and even ice storage. Built-in trash and recycle centers are popular additions keeping your yard looking neat for parties and events.
Outdoor Cooking 101:
- Built-In vs. Freestanding Gas Grills
Barbecue grills come in two forms: built-in and freestanding. Built-in grills are mounted into a permanent structure like outdoor cabinetry or a hardscape. Built-in grills offer a more upscale look.
Freestanding grills are mounted on a cart. Freestanding grills do not require cabinetry and can be easily added to your yard.
You can find the best features in both built-in and freestanding grills. Your decision will likely come down to your budget and design.
- Gas vs. Hybrid vs. Alternative (pellet, charcoal, electric)
Gas grills are known for fast heating and convenience. There are many brands, sizes, and colors to choose from. Gas grills are powered by either natural gas or liquid propane depending on the available utilities in your area.
Hybrid grills combine gas grilling with another fuel option such as charcoal or wood. Hybrid grills deliver the best of both worlds, the precise temperature control of gas grilling with the exceptional flavor of the secondary fuel source. Many hybrid grills can also double as a smoker as well.
Charcoal grills offer rich smoky flavor. Lump charcoal is lit with a match and can take up to 30 minutes to heat up. Charcoal grills are less expensive but require more cleaning than gas grills.
Electric grills are a go-to choice by condo owners and city dwellers. Some electric grills are inexpensive and portable, while others offer a more luxurious built-in flat top design.
- Specialty Outdoor Cooking Essentials:
In addition to your backyard barbecue, consider these other outdoor cooking appliances. Adding additional outdoor cooking appliances can expand your options and make it easier to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
- Side burner
Side burners are gas cooking burners. They’re a popular addition to outdoor grills and kitchens. Many freestanding grills come with an attached side burner.
Built-in side burners come in a variety of sizes including one and two-burner models.
It’s important to pick a powerful side burner. Gas burners are rated by British thermal units, or BTUs. When cooking outside, it’s important to pick a high BTU burner to compensate for variable weather conditions like wind and light rain. Gas burners will lose efficiency outside. For cooks that love high heat, consider a single powerful side burner large enough for a wok or large stock pot.
- Warming drawer
Warming drawers are great for busy families and home entertainers. Warming drawers allow you to eat when you’re hungry. They can store cooked food up to three hours without drying out your meal. Warming drawers are also a fantastic addition to pool areas for warm towels and robes.
- Flat Top Grills (Feature images from Evo, Lynx Asado, Cook-N-Dine)
An emerging trend, flat top grills deliver versatility to your outdoor living space. Depending on the brand and product, flat top grills come in gas, propane, or electric. They are great for breakfast foods, toasted sandwiches, sautéed vegetables, stir fry, and teppanyaki-style cooking. Some flat top grills are designed for indoor use as well.
- Gaucho Wood Fired Grill
Inspired by Argentinian style grilling, the Gaucho wood fired grill from Kalamazoo delivers an adjustable cooking surface over a wood fire coals for delicious flavor. Plus, it looks stunning, a beautiful focal point in any outdoor kitchen design.
- Smokers
Ceramic smoker grills are a great cooking companion for producing slow cooked barbecue flavor. A ventilation system allows you to adjust temperature and the dome-like lid creates a natural convection effect.
- Ventilation
Some outdoor kitchens require ventilation. If you’re planning a covered outdoor kitchen, you need to add ventilation to remove smoke, grease, and odors from your covered space. There are several shapes and styles to choose from.
Outdoor kitchen refrigerators:
- Under Counter Refrigerator
Under counter refrigerators are a great way to store beverages and other perishable food items outside.
- Refrigerator Drawers
Refrigerator drawers are a top trend right now in indoor and outdoor spaces. Adding fridge drawers to your outdoor kitchen will afford easy access to essentials, without having to bend over.
- Under Counter Freezer
Outdoor freezers are an excellent addition to store spirits, ice, ice cream, and popsicles outside.
- Outdoor Wine
Outdoor wine coolers are a great way to keep your favorite wines at the perfect temperature. Many outdoor wine refrigerators come with a lock to keep your collection safe while you’re away.
- Kegerators and Tap Dispensers
Kegerators are a beer enthusiasts dream. Enjoy your favorite beers at home on tap at the right temperature.
Outdoor Entertaining Essentials
- Outdoor Bars
Outdoor bars are home to all your beverage essentials. An insulated built-in sink can keep ice on hand. A speed rail makes it easy to keep go-to bottles and mixers on hand. Some outdoor bars come equipped with a built-in cutting board for garnishes.
- Icemakers
Adding a clear icemaker to your outdoor kitchen will provide you with an adequate supply of clear slow-melting ice to serve your entertaining needs.
- Storage and Clean-Up
The best outdoor kitchens were designed for easy maintenance. Adding a trash and recycle center can keep the trash barrel out of sight. Outdoor sinks and faucets are critical for preparing and cleaning up after meals. An outdoor dishwasher can tackle cookware and glassware as well.
- Built-In Storage Options
In addition to outdoor appliances, consider built-in storage for your outdoor kitchen. Paper towel holders, drawers, and pantries are great to keeping grill tools and paper goods organized. Access doors make it easier to get under the grill to change out a propane tank or perform a repair.
Outdoor Cabinets
Many people do stucco or tile outdoor kitchens and use ss access panels and drawers for storage solutions. These are great options. More and more people are looking for a more finished look for their outdoor kitchen and turning to cabinetry for their outdoor kitchen. Fuse can work with a designer to help fit the appliances into any solution. For customers looking for a turn key solution using high quality stainless steel cabinet, we offer a couple of solutions. Danver, Brown & Jordan, Kalamazoo & John Michael Cabinetry. Cabinetry is available in many styles and finishes. Call us now to help design the outdoor kitchen of your dreams!
Outdoor Cooking Brands: Overview
Kalamazoo is a luxury outdoor appliance brand. Over 20 years ago Kalamazoo introduced the world to the first grill able to cook with gas, wood and charcoal. Today Kalamazoo is widely known for their hybrid grills as well as a full suite of top quality outdoor appliances. To this day, Kalamazoo products are handmade in Michigan.
For decades, Alfresco has been offering restaurant inspired outdoor cooking appliances for residential outdoor kitchens. Alfresco is based in the City of Industry, California. Alfresco offers a robust line of grills, refrigeration, and storage solutions.
Hestan is an outdoor appliance brand derived from years of innovation in the commercial cooking space. Hestan outdoor appliances are known for fun colors to match every outdoor kitchen design. Hestan outdoor appliances are made in California.
Lynx is a luxury outdoor appliance brand. Lynx appliances are built in California. Lynx offers a full suite of outdoor appliances including grills, pizza ovens, and refrigeration.
DCS is the outdoor cooking brand owned by Haier, a Chinese multinational corporation. DCS is still the partner brand to Fisher & Paykel, a New Zealand based luxury appliance manufacturer. DCS offers a fairly large selection of grills, storage solutions, and refrigerators. DCS appliances are manufactured in Mexico.
Wolf is a luxury cooking brand owned by the Sub-Zero group. Wolf offers a robust selection of residential indoor appliances. Wolf grills are designed with a matching professional-style design. Sub Zero offers a selection of outdoor refrigerators and wine coolers to match. Wolf appliances are made in Wisconsin.
Coyote is an affordable luxury outdoor living brand based in Dallas, Texas. Coyote is committed to making outdoor kitchens an attainable reality for anyone who is passionate about cooking, entertaining, and simply relaxing outdoors.
What’s trending now?
- Color
Design an outdoor kitchen that best compliments your personal style. Hestan grills offer several colors to choose from adding a personal touch to your outdoor living space.
- Wi-fi connected Smart Grill
Take the guesswork out of grilling with the Lynx Smart Grill. Explore new recipes, post your favorites, and engage with the smart grill community through the Lynx SmartGrill app.
- Built-In Grills into outdoor cabinetry
More homeowners are investing in home projects that they’ll get to enjoy for years to come. Adding a built-in grill to a permanent structure or cabinetry provides a more upscale look. Adding other cooking, refrigeration, and cleaning appliances will create a functional outdoor kitchen that you’ll enjoy all season long.
- Entertaining “at home” essentials
Entertaining outdoors is the preferred way to engage with family and loved ones. Select outdoor entertaining essentials that meet your needs.
- Best outdoor appliances for foodies and home chefs
Pizza ovens, flat top grills, and smokers are just few of the many outdoor cooking appliances for fabulous results every time.
- Small outdoor kitchen ideas
Whether you have a small terrace, or a condo deck, there are outdoor cooking appliances designed for small spaces.
Frequently asked questions:
Is it possible to add a grill to an outdoor kitchen pergola?
Outdoor grilling naturally produces smoke and grease. If your outdoor cooking appliances are under a pergola or lanai, you will need a powerful outdoor-rated vent hood to clear the air for a more enjoyable experience.
What is the best grill for oceanfront living?
Outdoor kitchens are a wonderful addition to oceanfront living spaces. Ocean air can cause cheap grills to corrode after a few years. Therefore, it’s critical to consider outdoor appliances made from high-quality stainless steel. For truly ocean front living, consider upgrading to marine grade stainless steel.
Do I need an outdoor vent hood above my grill?
Ventilation requirements can vary based on your community. Before building an outdoor kitchen, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re following local guidelines and regulations. If your outdoor kitchen is covered, you probably need an outdoor vent hood.
Can I add a grill to my condo?
First, it’s a good idea to check with your condo association to see what types or barbecue grills are allowed. Many condo associations allow electric grills. Our top-selling outdoor electric grill is made by Electri-Chef.
Is there a difference between natural gas and liquid propane grills?
When ordering your new gas grill, make sure to pick the correct fuel-type. Most grills are made as natural gas or liquid propane models. Whether you have bulk propane, natural gas, or plan for a freestanding grill with a tank, make sure to order the right type of grill for your home.